A Tour That Left Me Breathless

Last week I was privy to attend another YA tour hosted by one of the area's popular Barnes and Nobles. This one featured four very talented ladies promoting their latest (or first) publications. Now, this tour was split up between the coasts, so I got to see the West Coast leg of the tour, which featured Andrea Cremer, Jessica Khoury, Marie Lu, and Brenna Yovanoff.

The last time I attended an event at this store (with Laini Taylor), it was hosted upstairs in the children's department and it was woefully cramped. This time, thankfully, they moved the event down in front, which allowed for a little more space but was still a bit on the small side. B&N just doesn't have much open space in their stores, but I guess they manage alright.

The evening started out with the four authors making their way out of the shadows, but they were also accompanied by a tag-along, and familiar face... If you'll recall from the You Are Next recap, there was a certain red-haired blogger present in the front row. Well, apparently Sara, The Novel Novice didn't find the front row close enough, because for this event she was our lovely and talented moderator!

And if you'll also remember from that other tour, there was a certain hilarious reading exercise... Well, Sara totally ripped off I mean, made tribute to the YAN crew by having the four ladies on the spot follow suit. Of course, it's a whole different matter if you're not prepared - in fact, none of the authors even remembered to bring their own books! Luckily, the event directors were on the ball and speedily supplied the materials. Unfortunately, the authors didn't quite get the same speed in their reading, but that didn't stifle the hilarity as page after page revealed some pretty steamy stuff. I swear, there was nothing else in Andrea's book!

After the speed reads were over, Sara put forth some questions which were answered down the line, including that day's breakfasts, literary crushes, and what other YA book would their protagonist(s) thrive in. And yes, Twilight was a valid answer for one of them, but only because she's immortal and would greatly enjoy the company of other immortals.

And finally we got down to the awkward staring - I mean the audience questions! All four authors gave advice to blossoming writers, emphasizing that the publication of their work shouldn't be the goal, but rather to write the best story that they can (and publication will surely follow). I got a question of my own answered by Andrea, namely which of her series to read first, Nightshade Saga or Rift/Rise. Essentially, if you're in the mood for a paranormal/urban fantasy teen romance, shoot for Nightshade. If you're more in the mood for historical/high fantasy, you're probably going to like Rift & Rise at the moment. Neither should spoil the other. Great to know (especially since the Nightshade saga is getting another installment later this year!).

All in all, a very fun and informative (though not spoilery) evening with five awesome ladies. Though this particular tour has come to a close, if you do get the chance to attend a signing with any of these authors, you're sure to have some fun.

Facebook: Breathless Reads ~ Andrea Cremer ~ Jessica Khoury ~ Marie Lu ~ Brenna Yovanoff ~
Elizabeth Richards ~ Morgan Rhodes/Michelle Rowen ~ Jessica Spotswood ~ Beth Revis ~ Fiona Paul

Blogs/Websites: Andrea Cremer ~ Jessica Khoury ~ Marie Lu ~ Brenna Yovanoff ~
Elizabeth Richards ~ Morgan Rhodes/Michelle Rowen ~ Jessica Spotswood ~ Beth Revis ~ Fiona Paul

Goodreads: Nightshade ~ Wolfsbane ~ Bloodrose ~ Rift ~ Rise ~ Origin ~ Legend ~ Prodigy ~
The Replacement ~ The Space Between ~ Paper Valentine
Black City ~ Falling Kingdoms ~ Born Wicked ~
Across the Universe ~ A Million Suns ~ Shades of Earth ~ Venom

Amazon: Nightshade ~ Wolfsbane ~ Bloodrose ~ Rift ~ Rise ~ Origin ~ Legend ~ Prodigy ~
The Replacement ~ The Space Between ~ Paper Valentine
Black City ~ Falling Kingdoms ~ Born Wicked ~
Across the Universe ~ A Million Suns ~ Shades of Earth ~ Venom

Powell's: Nightshade ~ Wolfsbane ~ Bloodrose ~ Rift ~ Rise ~ Origin ~ Legend ~ Prodigy ~
The Replacement ~ The Space Between ~ Paper Valentine
Black City ~ Falling Kingdoms ~ Born Wicked ~
Across the Universe ~ A Million Suns ~ Shades of Earth ~ Venom

Jan's Paperbacks: Nightshade ~ Wolfsbane ~ Bloodrose ~ Rift ~ Rise ~ Origin ~ Legend ~ Prodigy ~
The Replacement ~ The Space Between ~ Paper Valentine
Black City ~ Falling Kingdoms ~ Born Wicked ~
Across the Universe ~ A Million Suns ~ Shades of Earth ~ Venom